In my planning stages still of building.....I am looking to alternate the rear of the chassis to curve downward instead of around. It would look somewhat the same a Dale's design. Looks good by the way, Dale..

I was wondering if anyone has done any structural tests or put any of those types of chassis mods through any CAD tests or practical tests to uncover any strengths or weaknesses?

I haven’t made any definite decisions about rear suspensions yet but I’m leaning toward IRS or De dion. I’m hoping the changes to the frame wouldn’t compromise my choice of rear suspension due to strength.

How about triangulation within the curved section? Any ideas?

The rear slope of my car has no structural stiffness at all--but the rest of the suports are similar to the regular rear. Its going to be a bitch of a job to cover in alloy or will require a fiber ass end made.
I have made the curves in the square tube by kerfing it and welding the cuts back up --I assume these two bars are useless for strengh (brittle after all the welding) but will give me the form to attatch the sheetmetal to.
Btw thanks

Dale

What would you think if I substituted round tubing instead of all that cutting, bending and welding?

I have never done GRP work before but thanks to Steve's site, I dont think it would be that tough to run a centerline down the back, make the ribs and build it up with styrafoam. Certainly since I'm only talking about doing that with just the back end.

Besides, Its not like I have an english wheel sitting around my garage

I used square as I wanted a flat surface to rivit to if I use alloy. To do it again it would be round or sent to a machine shop to be bent proper. Major pain in the ass to do the way I did.
You lucky bast#$d I would love the chance to play with an english wheel.
Dale